Roles involved with the Assisted Dying Service
The End of Life Choice Act explains which health workers can be involved in assisted dying. It also notes that Nurse Practitioners have some limits on what they can do.
Two doctors must assess whether a person can receive assisted dying. A psychiatrist may also be involved if there are questions about whether the person can make this decision. Only a doctor can decide if someone is eligible for assisted dying.
Only a doctor, or a Nurse Practitioner following a doctor’s instructions, can give assisted dying medication.
Medical Practitioners
A Medical Practitioner is a doctor who is registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand and has a current practising certificate.
Nurse Practitioners
A Nurse Practitioner is a senior nurse with advanced training and the legal authority to practise at a higher level than a Registered Nurse.
Pharmacists
Most pharmacists will not supply or dispense medication for assisted dying. However, they still play an important role in the community. It is helpful for pharmacists and pharmacy staff to understand the law and know where to find information if people ask about assisted dying.
Two regional pharmacies manage the supply of medication kits. These pharmacies send the kits directly to the health workers who provide the service.
Other health workers
Many health workers support people during important times in their lives. Nurses, Allied Health staff, Scientific and Technical staff, and non-registered workers can continue to provide care and support to people who may ask about assisted dying.
Training is available to all health workers on the Act, the care pathway, and how to respond when someone raises assisted dying.
Places of work for Assisted Dying Service workforces
Public hospitals must act as a “facility of last resort” for assisted dying. This means they may be used if no other suitable place is available. Hospitals are not expected to provide staff directly for the service.
Hospital staff can choose to provide the service if they want to and if the hospital agrees. Doctors employed by hospitals can also provide the service through their private practice.
More information, training and resources
Information for health practitioners
More information about Medical and Nurse Practitioners can be found on the information sheet on the Delivering Assisted Dying Services page.
Delivering Assisted Dying Servicesexternal link
Training for health practitioners
More information about training for health practitioners can be found on the Assisted dying training resources for health professionals page.
Assisted dying training resources for health professionalsexternal link
Policy guidance
Policy guidance for regions is on the Information for health service providers page.
Information for health service providersexternal link
Provision and payment information
Information for practitioners on the funding model for assisted dying services and how to claim for payments when providing services can be found on the Assisted Dying Service provision and payment page.